'I've lost to Bafana before' - Mexico coach eyes revenge
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffMexico head coach Javier Aguirre looks to be eyeing revenge against Bafana Bafana, having faced them on two previous occasions.
South Africa and Mexico will lock horns in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is a rematch of the opening game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
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Aguirre was the head coach of Mexico in 2010, but resigned after failing to lead the team past the round of 16 stage.
The second encounter came in 2019 when Bafana defeated Egypt in the round of 16, which signalled the end of Aguirre's reign as the Pharaohs' head coach.
"South Africa has done very well; they beat me in the Africa Cup of Nations when I coached Egypt, and we faced each other with Mexico years ago. They are improving with some players abroad,” he revealed to Enfoque Noticias.
Aguirre added that they cannot take South Africa lightly
"Let's hope this is the one. We respect them a lot," Aguirre said, per TVN.
"The team is in its best physical, athletic and mental shape."
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He continued, "South Africa is a tough team. It doesn't really have the African style, nor the European one.
"It's a mix, with a Belgian coach (Broos) who knows a lot about tactical work," Aguirre said.